Riyad Mahrez's final World Cup campaign cut short as clinical Switzerland reach R16
Switzerland made it into their fourth straight Round of 16 in the FIFA World Cup. The clinical Swiss beat Algeria 2-0 in Vancouver, cutting short Riyad Mahrez's final World Cup campaign.
Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez was sent into international retirement after Switzerland knocked his side out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Friday, July 3. Playing at BC Place in Vancouver, the Swiss dominated large spells of the game, sealing a clinical victory over the Atlas Lions.
Facing a technically gifted Algerian side, Switzerland survived the early pressure and struck through Breel Embolo in the 10th minute. The goal, created by Johan Manzambi after a dazzling solo run, completely changed the complexion of the contest.
Manzambi picked up the ball in the centre of the pitch and dribbled past multiple Algerian players before entering the box from the left. He then squared a low cross from the byline to Embolo, who was perfectly positioned in front of goal. With Luca Zidane rushing out to close down Manzambi, Embolo simply tapped the ball into an empty net to give Switzerland the lead.
FIFA World Cup: Switzerland vs Algeria Highlights
Switzerland doubled their advantage in the opening minute of the second half after Algeria defender Rafik Belghali's attempted clearance fell straight to Dan Ndoye. Stationed on the edge of the box, the winger wasted no time in unleashing a powerful low drive into the bottom-right corner beyond Luca Zidane, making it 2-0.
The early second-half goal took much of the momentum out of Algeria, who struggled to create clear-cut chances in response.
Switzerland had the opportunity to extend their lead in the 81st minute when Denis Zakaria's cross evaded a sliding Embolo and reached an unmarked Fabian Rieder at the far post. However, despite having an open goal in front of him, Rieder could only make weak contact with his left heel, allowing Zidane to recover and make the save.
Algeria's best chance arrived in the 88th minute when Anis Hadj Moussa unleashed a left-footed effort from outside the box. Gregor Kobel parried the shot away, but the move was eventually ruled out for offside.
Speaking after the game, one of Algeria's greatest-ever players, Riyad Mahrez, announced his retirement from international football. The captain started the match but was unable to make a significant impact. Although he delivered a couple of dangerous crosses into the penalty area, Algeria's forwards failed to capitalise as his international career came to an end with a Round of 32 exit.
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Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez was sent into international retirement after Switzerland knocked his side out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Friday, July 3. Playing at BC Place in Vancouver, the Swiss dominated large spells of the game, sealing a clinical victory over the Atlas Lions.
Facing a technically gifted Algerian side, Switzerland survived the early pressure and struck through Breel Embolo in the 10th minute. The goal, created by Johan Manzambi after a dazzling solo run, completely changed the complexion of the contest.
Manzambi picked up the ball in the centre of the pitch and dribbled past multiple Algerian players before entering the box from the left. He then squared a low cross from the byline to Embolo, who was perfectly positioned in front of goal. With Luca Zidane rushing out to close down Manzambi, Embolo simply tapped the ball into an empty net to give Switzerland the lead.
FIFA World Cup: Switzerland vs Algeria Highlights
Switzerland doubled their advantage in the opening minute of the second half after Algeria defender Rafik Belghali's attempted clearance fell straight to Dan Ndoye. Stationed on the edge of the box, the winger wasted no time in unleashing a powerful low drive into the bottom-right corner beyond Luca Zidane, making it 2-0.
The early second-half goal took much of the momentum out of Algeria, who struggled to create clear-cut chances in response.
Switzerland had the opportunity to extend their lead in the 81st minute when Denis Zakaria's cross evaded a sliding Embolo and reached an unmarked Fabian Rieder at the far post. However, despite having an open goal in front of him, Rieder could only make weak contact with his left heel, allowing Zidane to recover and make the save.
Algeria's best chance arrived in the 88th minute when Anis Hadj Moussa unleashed a left-footed effort from outside the box. Gregor Kobel parried the shot away, but the move was eventually ruled out for offside.
Speaking after the game, one of Algeria's greatest-ever players, Riyad Mahrez, announced his retirement from international football. The captain started the match but was unable to make a significant impact. Although he delivered a couple of dangerous crosses into the penalty area, Algeria's forwards failed to capitalise as his international career came to an end with a Round of 32 exit.
FIFA World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | Football News
